Intern - Strategic Communications at Cruise Lines International Association Inc. – Washington, District of Columbia

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated, curious, and creative intern to join the Strategic Communications team at the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of strategic communications, advocacy, research, digital storytelling, and industry engagement. The intern will work closely with experienced professionals across CLIA and support projects that help communicate the industry’s priorities, amplify CLIA’s role as a global advocate, and advance initiatives tied to safe, secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise operations, responsible tourism, workforce development, innovation, and the future of cruise travel.

Essential Job Functions

• Support internal and external strategic communications initiatives that advance CLIA’s organizational priorities and strengthen the industry’s voice with policymakers, partners, media, and stakeholders.
• Conduct research on cruise industry trends, public policy developments, maritime and regulatory issues, stakeholder activity, market dynamics, and communications best practices.
• Assist in the development and execution of communications campaigns, advocacy support materials, events, and strategic initiatives.
• Support the planning, promotion, and coordination of conferences, seminars, workshops, executive events, and stakeholder engagement opportunities.
• Assist with data collection, analysis, and reporting tied to communications performance, digital engagement, research support, and key strategic initiatives.
• Contribute to the creation, editing, scheduling, and maintenance of content for CLIA’s digital platforms, including the website, social media channels, and YouTube.
• Draft, edit, and format written content for a range of internal and external uses, including social media copy, video captions, newsletters, presentations, briefing materials, talking points, background documents, and stakeholder-facing communications.
• Support the development of creative assets and visual content, including graphics, slide presentations, short-form videos, social media design, event collateral, and other communications materials consistent with CLIA’s brand and messaging.
• Assist in the preparation of presentations, reports, research summaries, briefing papers, and communications materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across strategic communications, government affairs, maritime policy, membership, events, and research to support integrated projects and organizational goals.
• Stay updated on industry news, regulations, and emerging technologies relevant to the cruise industry.
• Help support communications efforts tied to CLIA’s public policy and advocacy work by organizing background information, summarizing developments, drafting supporting materials, and helping translate complex industry issues into clear, accessible communications.
• Support research-driven storytelling by helping turn data, analysis, and industry insights into compelling content for digital, editorial, social, and executive communications channels.
• Perform administrative tasks and provide general support to the CLIA team as needed.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program in a relevant field such as communications, public relations, journalism, public policy, political science, international affairs, marketing, hospitality, tourism, business, or a related field.
• Strong interest in the cruise industry and a desire to learn about strategic communications, advocacy, public affairs, digital media, research, and policy issues that shape global cruise operations.
• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and comfortable working with data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex topics into clear, accurate, and engaging content.
• Experience with or interest in social media platforms, digital content, video editing, graphic design, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar creative tools is a plus.
• Interest in public affairs, media relations, government affairs, maritime policy, sustainability, or trade association work is a plus.
• Attention to detail and ability to multitask in a deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively in a team.
• Flexibility and adaptability to take on new challenges and responsibilities.

Benefits

• Gain valuable knowledge and hands-on experience in the global cruise industry, including exposure to senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
• Work in a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters professional growth and development.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the cruise industry’s challenges, trends, and opportunities, including communications, advocacy, public policy, sustainability, research, and stakeholder engagement.
• Enhance research, analytical, creative, and communication skills through hands-on projects and tasks.
• Opportunity to network with industry professionals and potentially explore future career opportunities.

Work Environment

• This position is onsite in our DC office 22.5 hours a week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) starting on May 26, 2026 for approximately 10 weeks.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

EEO Statement

CLIA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.